Boeing India chief inducted as USIBC director

Washington: The U.S.-India Business Council, an advocacy group of 250 of the largest U.S. companies investing in India, has announced the appointment of Ian Thomas, president of Boeing India, to its Board of Directors.

"I am honoured to accept this appointment on behalf of The Boeing Company - and to help represent our interests as well as those of US industry on the USIBC Board," said Thomas, who was appointed president of Boeing India in January 2007.

"Boeing is executing an integrated enterprise strategy in India, which includes a strong focus on both growth and productivity. Our partnership with USIBC is one of many elements which help facilitate that strategy, while allowing Boeing to contribute to the deepening bilateral relationship between the world's two greatest democracies," he said.

Thomas holds a master's degree in international relations and a PhD in history from the University of Cambridge, a graduate degree in social sciences from the University of Stockholm, and a bachelor's degree (cum laude) in history from Amherst College. Prior to joining Boeing he served in the office of the US Secretary of Defence.

"Ian brings deep international experience and strong business acumen, having held a number of key positions within Boeing prior to leading its India operations," said USIBC chairman Charles Kaye.

"Ian's appointment is an important and welcome addition to the USIBC board."

The close relationship between Boeing, the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, and India goes back six decades. India entered the jet age on the wings of Boeing jetliners. Boeing jets continue to be the mainstay of the country's domestic and intercontinental commercial fleets, as USIBC put it.

Boeing also has a number of key technical and business partnerships with Indian companies and educational and research institutions. In December 2003, Boeing established a wholly owned subsidiary, Boeing International Corporation India Private Limited to support the growing demands of India's aviation, aerospace and defence industries.

Boeing is a strong and active supporter of long-term strategic ties between the US and India and works extensively to strengthen relations between the two countries, USIBC said.

Boeing has important relationships with the Indian industry and is actively pursuing a broad array of growth and productivity initiatives, including in the defence arena.

The Boeing Company is a Chairman's Circle member of the USIBC, the highest level of membership. The company is very active in USIBC activities and chairs its Aviation and Defence Committees.
Source: IANS